Mirare’s release of Henri Demarquette playing the cello music of Saint-Saëns includes all the major works for cello solo as well as the beloved Carnival of the Animals, which features the instrument prominently. The composer, apparently concerned that the piece was too frivolous, suppressed performances of it and only allowed one movement, “Le cygne,” (for cello solo) to be published in his lifetime. Saint-Saëns did, however, include a provision which allowed the suite to be published after his death. It was first performed in 1922, and it has since become one of his most popular works. Joined here by one of his favorite accompanists, Brigitte Engerer, Demarquette plays a cello built by Italian luthier Goffredo Cappa in 1697.